Myth or reality? Can the weather affect joint pain, particularly osteoarthritis? Do your symptoms flare up when it starts to rain? Does your arthritis cause you pain in humid weather? Studies show that there is indeed a climate that is better for osteoarthritis and other chronic pain, and conversely, a climate that is worse.
Joint pain and humid weather: it’s proven
SAccording to Professor William Dixon, lead author of the study and director of the Arthritis Epidemiology Center at the University of Manchester, “Since Hippocrates, it has been believed that weather conditions influence symptoms in arthritis patients. About three-quarters of people with arthritis (which includes several joint conditions, editor’s note) believe that the weather makes their pain worse.” The study showed that humidity, especially when accompanied by wind and low atmospheric pressure, increases joint pain by about 20% compared to a normal day.
In conclusion, joint pain is more intense on humid, windy, and cold days, while the amount of precipitation has no significant impact on pain. These results provide solid evidence that exonerates patients suffering from osteoarthritis, a phenomenon that has often been ignored or downplayed until now.
How can you anticipate the weather to relieve osteoarthritis?
The study conducted at the University of Manchester has therapeutic benefits for patients. When you are in pain, it is often difficult to hear people say, “It’s all in your head,” or “There is no link between pain and the weather.” This data therefore reassures patients. Professor Dixon goes even further by suggesting that the study’s findings could make it possible to predict joint pain based on weather forecasts. “This would enable people suffering from chronic pain to plan their activities, performing more difficult tasks on days when lower levels of pain are predicted.”
He also hopes that this data will “provide information to scientists interested in understanding the mechanisms of pain, which could ultimately lead to new treatments.”
What is the ideal weather for osteoarthritis?
While cold, humidity, and wind can exacerbate osteoarthritis, it seems obvious that sunny, warm weather is best for joint pain. However, although in some cases the painful areas seem to take a break in summer, there is no scientific evidence that dry, sunny weather has a positive impact on osteoarthritis. Humidity and cold exacerbate the condition, but the opposite is not true.
However, what we do know is that pain is less prevalent in spring and summer, so we can reasonably conclude that these two seasons are more conducive to good joint health. But we cannot rely solely on this simple fact to relieve osteoarthritis. What can we do?
How can joint pain and osteoarthritis be relieved?
There are various treatments available to combat joint pain. You can opt for medication combined with natural remedies for osteoarthritis.
Medication for osteoarthritis:
If you suffer from joint pain and/or osteoarthritis, the most commonly prescribed medications are:
- Joint washings using saline solution.
- Simple painkillers such as paracetamol.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.
- Slow-acting symptomatic anti-arthritic drugs such as glucosamine.
- Intra-articular injections of steroid anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Hyaluronic acid injections.
Natural treatments for osteoarthritis
While it is difficult to do without medication in the event of acute flare-ups, there are long-term and short-term treatments available to relieve osteoarthritis:
- Glucosamine and chondroitin have proven effective in protecting cartilage. Both substances are present in the joints, but osteoarthritis prevents their optimal production. Taken as a course of treatment lasting at least three months, the effects are noticeable.
- Harpagophytum, or devil’s claw, is extremely effective at reducing joint pain thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is said to have an effect similar to that of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Wintergreen Essential Oil is recommended in cases of acute pain. Composed of 99% methyl salicylate, it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that reduce the need for aspirin to relieve pain. Two drops in a teaspoon of olive oil (or other neutral vegetable oil), massaged into the painful area, will relieve the joint.
- Exercise is essential for slowing the progression of osteoarthritis. Whether you are experiencing flare-ups or periods of remission, walk, strengthen your muscles, stretch… Keep your body moving to reduce joint pain.
Have you ever noticed that the weather affects your joint pain? To prevent flare-ups before bad weather sets in, opt for natural anti-arthritis solutions on a daily basis. Better safe than sorry!
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